Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Saviour Kasukuwere and his Transport and Infrastructure Development counterpart Dr Jorum Gumbo yesterday toured the site of the new city to be constructed in Mt Hampden.

The tour was organised to have an appreciation of the area and road works leading to the new Parliament building to be constructed in the area.Speaking to journalists at the site, Minister Kasukuwere said construction of the new Parliament building was taking shape.

"This is the beginning of the construction of the road that will lead to the new Parliament building," he said.

"We have completed all the negotiations and discussions with the Chinese government who are supporting and funding the construction of the new Parliament as it has been accepted by the Cabinet and also been accepted by the Chinese government.

"What was left, was for us as a ministry, myself and colleague Minister Cde Gumbo to ensure that the necessary infrastructure has been put in place among others is the road.

"I am pleased that Dr Gumbo has assisted us and has already put out his men to do the surveys. Within two weeks, we must start seeing the construction of the road. Once that process has begun, it means that our contractors will now be coming and can easily move to the mountain."

Minister Kasukuwere said at least 20 boreholes were also identified to supply water to the new city.

Minister Gumbo said: "What we have done ourselves is to give support to the Ministry of Local Government.

"The reason why we are here is to make sure that we get access to the new city. We are here because we have to provide roads leading to the new city and the rest is for the Ministry of Local Government.

"We are here today with the surveyors. After the surveyors have done their part, what is going to happen is that we will be bringing in machinery to clear the road. We are looking at completing this project by the end of this year, if all goes well.

"By the end of the year, the roads will be in place."

Construction of the new Parliament building is expected to start early next year.